Woman dies after car goes down embankment off 73 toll road

IRVINE – A woman died after driving down a steep embankment off the 73 toll road Friday morning, authorities said.

The solo-vehicle crash was reported just after 10 a.m. near Laguna Canyon Road, when a witness reported seeing the vehicle go down the embankment, California Highway Patrol Officer John Latosquin said.

“At first, they couldn’t find (the vehicle) because it was below the brush,” Latosquin said. “It’s pretty far down.”

The driver suffered cuts and was reported to be conscious when reached by officers and paramedics, Latosquin said.

The woman was taken to Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo to be treated, he said.

Orange County Coroner’s Office officials reported that the woman died at the hospital several hours later. She was identified as Anne Mudge, 83, of Laguna Niguel.